Evaluation of Top-Ranked Search Engine Web-Based Osteoporosis Materials.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the health literacy and quality of information on online Web sites about osteoporosis using the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) method.

Methods: The search terms "osteoporosis" and "weak bones" were entered separately into three different search engines: Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Five Web sites were found on all three search engines for each search term, totaling 10 Web sites. Four different researchers graded the Web sites using the SAM scale and then averaged them.

Results: For the osteoporosis search term Web sites, 60% were rated superior and 40% were rated adequate by the SAM method. The average reading grade level was 10.2, with 20% of Web sites rated superior and 40% rated adequate. Sixty percent of Web sites contained graphics, with only one Web site rated superior. In addition, 80% of Web sites were found to be unsuitable for having a summary. For the weak bones search term Web sites, 80% were rated adequate and only 20% were rated superior. The reading grade level was 9.8, with 40% of the Web sites rated adequate and 60% rated not suitable.

Conclusions: Web sites about osteoporosis contain a higher reading grade level than the national average of 7th grade. Most Web sites lack an ending summary of key points and graphics to aid comprehension. Health information Web sites about osteoporosis need to contain a lower reading grade level, more graphics, and summaries to increase the comprehension of readers.